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National Respect Day

Spread kindness and promote positivity on National Respect Day - let's come together to create a more respectful world!

Friday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 18

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYValues

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to spread kindness and positivity on National Respect Day, which falls on September 18! This day was created to remind us of the importance of treating others with respect, regardless of their differences. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our actions and words towards others and make a conscious effort to show respect in all aspects of our lives. So let's celebrate this day by spreading love, understanding, and acceptance – because that's what true respect is all about.

TIMELINE

National Respect Day Timeline

Golden Rule Campaign

A public service campaign promotes the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," emphasizing respect for all.

MLK’s Dream

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech highlights the importance of mutual respect in achieving racial equality.

UN's International Year of Action

The United Nations proclaims 1971 as the International Year of Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, underpinning the value of respect.

Zeola's Act of Kindness

Zeola Hershey Gay creates National Respect Day in honor of her late husband to spread the importance of showing respect to others.

Expansion of the Day

National Respect Day evolves beyond personal relationships and strives to promote respect in communities, workplaces, and schools.

Respect Campaigns Go Viral

Social media becomes a powerful tool for promoting respect, antidiscrimination, and anti-bullying campaigns, increasing the widespread recognition and celebration of National Respect Day.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Respect Day

Spread kindness and respect

Take some time to do small acts of kindness and show respect to those around you. This could be as simple as holding the door open for someone, saying please and thank you, or giving a compliment.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local charity

Celebrate National Respect Day by giving back to your community. Find a local charity or organization that promotes respect and volunteer your time to help their cause.

HAVE

Have a respectful conversation

Engage in a respectful conversation with someone who has different beliefs or opinions than you. Listen actively and try to understand their perspective without judgment.

Share inspiring quotes about respect

Spread awareness about National Respect Day by sharing inspiring quotes about respect on social media or with your friends and family.

CREATE

Create a respect-themed art project

Get creative and express your thoughts on respect through art. This could be a painting, sculpture, or any other type of art that represents the importance of respect in our society.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Respect Day is Important

It's important in all aspects of life

Respect is crucial not only in personal relationships but also in the workplace, in politics, and in society as a whole. By celebrating National Respect Day, we are reminded that showing respect is essential no matter where we are or who we are interacting with.

It promotes kindness and understanding

National Respect Day serves as a reminder for everyone to treat others with respect and empathy. It encourages people to practice active listening, open-mindedness, and tolerance towards different opinions and beliefs.

It helps build healthy relationships

By promoting respect, this holiday can also help improve communication and foster positive relationships between individuals. It reminds us to consider others' feelings and boundaries, creating a more harmonious and understanding society.